Interest Survey: Here are two interest surveys that can be used with students at the beginning of the school year to get a feel for what books they like to read.
School Wide Reading Program: Our school does not have accelerated reader or reading counts. Instead we do a school wide reading incentive program. Students are given a reading log each nine weeks and when it is turned in, the can earn a book mark, coupon to Chick-Fil-A, extra book check out pass or be entered into a drawing for a free book of their choice. We set a school mid year and end of year goal. If we meet our mid year goal, the whole school gets to wear PJ's to school. If we meet our end of year goal, the administrative team does something crazy like ride motorcycles or get slimed. Below is a copy of one of our reading logs and our tracking bulletin board.
Morning News Program: We have a live morning news show almost soley run by students. Eleven students arrive every school day between 7:30 and 7:45, each with an assigned job. I use a power point the anchor's read. Each student has a different job and rotates weekly. Attached are the application forms and a list of jobs.
Create and dress up as a special character for the news that deals with specifically with library issues. Feature this character on the morning news once a week to discuss new books, do booktalks for SC book awards books, remind students of proper library etiquette, build excitement for book fair. My character is called Bea Bettareader, a loud-mouthed Jersey girl who loves reading more than anything!
Marketing to Parents/Community:
3 times a year, I send home a newsletter to parents highlighting what the media center is doing, services we offer, upcoming events, what the students are learning, and any other news we need to share! Here's an example:
At the beginning of the year, I have teachers submit a survey that asks them about their experiences with the library in the past and the resources they need for the upcoming year. It helps me be able to better plan what collaborations need to take place and also what resources I will need to purchase this year.
Marketing to Parents/Community:
Marketing to Teachers: